J. Aldo (left) and L. Santos (right) are Brazilian representatives in the UFC 278. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
Next Saturday (20), José Aldo e Leo Santos will be Brazilian representatives and face Merab Dvalishvili e Jared gordon, respectively, in UFC 278. However, in addition to being great athletes in the history of the 'Nova União' academy, they also have years of friendship through thick and thin.
See too
Now, the team SUPER FIGHTS recalls the 'interconnected stories' between the two athletes, with the beginning of their trajectories, support at every opportunity and a retrospective of cards in which they were together in Ultimate.
Before stardom…
L. Santos (left) and J. Aldo (right) in jiu-jitsu training. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The friendly relationship between José Aldo e Leo Santos it started even before the former champion 'dreamed' of making history at featherweight (up to 65,7kg) and, later, shining in bantamweight (up to 61,2kg). The man from Manaus remembers that, as soon as he arrived at 'Nova União', located in Rio de Janeiro, Léo was already recognized for his quality in jiu-jitsu, although he had not yet achieved the notoriety he deserved.
“When I arrived in Rio, Léo (Santos) was already number one. He was already a champion in jiu-jitsu and, when I was still a blue belt, he already helped me. He's a guy who always left me money for breakfast and asked if I had eaten. He helped me, as well as a lot of other things for guys at the gym. He was always by my side, talking and giving words of support,” said Aldo, in an interview with 'Portal of Vale Tudo', in 2013.
Despite the recognition and always being seen as one of the biggest Brazilian names in 'gentle art', Leo Santos had a different trajectory than José Aldo. The Rio native had 13 fights before getting the opportunity for 'The Ultimate Fighter Brazil 2' and didn't waste it. Despite falling in the semi-finals to Santiago Ponzinibbio, the fighter replaced the Argentine – who was injured – and beat Wiliam Patolino to crown his name in history.
Emotion took over José Aldo. In addition to following, the man from Manaus was moved by his friend's victory and, already a champion, made a point of embracing him towards a partnership throughout the two athletes' careers in the organization.
In good times and bad…
Aldo is consoled by L. Santos after his loss to C. McGregor. Photo: Reproduction
It didn't all end in pizza for Aldo and Léo, who dealt with opposing situations at UFC 194. Still a promising lightweight fighter (up to 70,3kg), the Rio native made use of his power in his hands and knocked him out. Kevin Lee on the main card of the night and 'ran' to wait for the 'People's Champion', in search of a second victory for 'Nova União'.
The perfect night, however, did not come. Santos closely followed the end of Aldo's 'throne' as UFC champion, as his compatriot ended up being knocked out in just 13 seconds. Conor McGregor, in the main fight, which was marked by broad rivalry between the athletes.
In a video released by the UFC itself at the time, which followed behind the scenes of both Aldo and McGregor in the locker rooms live, José arrives with his face covered by a t-shirt and quickly sits on the floor, where he begins to cry again. The first to console him was precisely Leo Santos, who provided support and sat next to the former champion.
Friends, friends. Different results!
J. Aldo (left) and L. Santos (right) arrived together in the United States for the UFC 278. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
In addition to being and training like great old friends, Leo Santos e José Aldo they performed, on the same card, on three occasions. However, anyone who thinks that the 'motivational factor' has worked for athletes is mistaken. At UFC events where they were together, they were never able to leave together, with their 'arms raised'.
In addition to UFC 194, representatives from 'Nova União' took action in the 251st edition, which featured Aldo competing for the vacant bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg). Even though he started well, the man from Manaus ended up being knocked out in the fifth round. Leonardo Santos, on the preliminary card, had gone through Roman Bogatov by points.
Finally, the last event they attended together was at UFC Las Vegas 44. This time, José Aldo dominated Rob font and, on a gala night, he won on points. About that, Leo Santos ended the 'bitter taste' of having been finished – for the first time in his career – against Clay guida in the second round.
Now, they try to do it differently and aim to find the 'perfect night'. At the UFC 278 next Saturday (20), José Aldo has the mission to stop the promise Merab Dvalishvili, but Leo Santos tries to alleviate his situation in Ultimate due to two defeats in a series and measures forces against Jared gordon. Will it go now?
You need login To comment.